Asda confirmed identification was needed to prove that those who were sampling the pies were above the age of 18.

An Asda spokesperson said: “We know our customers will love the fantastic festive food we have available this year, which is why we’re sampling bite-sized portions of some of the tasty treatise the build-up to Christmas.

“For obvious reasons products containing liquid alcohol are only offered to customers over the age of 18.

“However, mince pies are a family staple and would usually be made available to all.

“But, we would never criticise an individual for trying to do the right thing when presented with a customer who’s lucky enough to look younger than their years.”